ASA-100 NaI MCA User's Manual

Model ASA-100
NaI MCA Board

User’s Manual
9231906D
Copyright 2009, Canberra Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.
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graphics and text, is the property of Canberra Industries, Inc. and
is protected by U.S. copyright laws and international copyright
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Canberra Industries, Inc.
Canberra Industries, 800 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT 06450

Tel: 203-238-2351 FAX: 203-235-1347 http://www.canberra.com.
Canberra is an AREVA company.
The information in this document describes the product as

accurately as possible, but is subject to change without notice.
Printed in the United States of America.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. Setup and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installing the Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Device Driver Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installing the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Internal Control and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Rear Panel Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Creating an MCA Input Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The MID Setup Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The MCA Input Definition Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Starting the MID Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Adding an MCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Deleting an MCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Interpreting the Definition Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Editing The MID Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
MCA Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
ADC Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Stabilizer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
High Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Input Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Saving and Loading the Input Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
More Information on the MID Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Genie 2000 Acquistion Window Adjust Dialogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Stabilizer Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
ADC Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Amplifier Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
High Voltage Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Acquire Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
i
A. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Data Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
ADC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Preamplifier Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
High Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
SCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
B. Installation Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
ii Model ASA-100 NaI MCA Board

1. Introduction
The ASA-100 is a fully integrated Multichannel Analyzer that contains everything
needed to support an NaI(Tl) spectroscopy system. High voltage, preamplifier power
supply, shaping amplifier, gain stabilizer, ADC, and memory are all contained in a
compact, full-length PCI-bus board. Power consumption is less than 7.5 W.
There is no need for NIM or external stand-alone electronics. Just connect the high
voltage, preamp power and signal cable to the detector, boot your computer, start the
Genie 2000 software, and you are ready to acquire spectral data. Using the ASA-100 is
easy. High voltage, amplifier coarse and fine gain, ADC conversion gain and many
other functions are easily controlled by the computer through software adjust screens.
Every ASA-100 comes equipped with its own on-board digital gain stabilizer. You’ll
never have to worry about spectrum drift again! The stabilizer continuously monitors
your system to compensate for any external variables like room temperature that can
affect peak positions.
Computer Control
This capability allows the user to maintain multiple system setups, downloading the
required configuration as needed. No manual dial adjustments are necessary. The sys-
tem is ready for routine sample analysis by simply calling up predefined calibra-
tion/setup files.
Software support is available with the Genie 2000 platform, under Windows 98/Me or
Windows NT/2000. The supporting software extends the capabilities of the system to
meet a wide range of application requirements.
User's Manual - ICN 9231906D 1

Setup and Configuration
2. Setup and Configuration

Unpack your ASA-100 board and examine it carefully for evidence of damage caused
in transit. If damage is found notify Canberra and the carrier immediately.
Installation
The ASA-100 is fully compliant with the Plug and Play PCI specifications and, there-
fore, has no hardware jumpers to be set by the user. Note that the ASA-100 is not sup-
ported for the Windows 95 operating system.
Installing the Card

The card may be installed in the target PC by using the following procedure:
1. Before installing the board in your computer, record the board's eight-digit
serial number. You’ll need it when you configure the software. The serial
number is engraved on the back of the board at the end opposite the rear
panel bracket (see Figure 1 on page 4).
2. Turn OFF the power to the computer to prevent damage to the computer and
the ASA-100 card.
3. Remove the cover from the computer. Consult the reference manual supplied
with the computer for proper instructions on removing the cover.
4. The ASA-100 may be inserted into any available full-length PCI slot.
Remove the retaining screw from the slot’s blank panel and remove the
panel.
5. To insert the ASA-100 card, the end of the card with the connectors must be
tilted downward as the card is inserted into the computer. When the
connectors have cleared the rear-panel cutout, rotate the card until it’s
parallel to and centered above the computer’s motherboard connector. Use
moderate downward pressure to seat the card in the connector.
6. Replace the retaining screw in the ASA-100 card’s rear panel and tighten.
7. Replace the computer cover by reversing the procedure in step 3.
8. Reapply power to the computer.
2 Model ASA-100 NaI MCA Board

Installation
Device Driver Installation

To use the ASA-100 you must install a device driver. When you reboot the computer
after installing the ASA-100 MCA card Windows will automatically launch the Found
New Hardware Wizard. Follow the steps below to install your hardware.
1. Select “No, Not at this time” when Windows ask if it can connect to
Windows Update to search for software.
2. Select “Install this software automatically (Recommended)” when the wizard

prompts you to install software for the Canberra Industries ASA-100.
3. Select “Continue Anyway” when Windows informs you that the driver has
not passed Windows Logo testing.
Note: These steps are only required once, i.e. when Windows detects that new hard-
ware has been added to your system or if the drivers are missing or need to be
reinstalled.
Installing the Software

Refer to Appendix A, Software Installation, in the Genie 2000 Operations Manual for
instructions on installing the Genie 2000 Basic Spectroscopy Software.

Internal Control and Connectors

This is a brief description of the internal control and connectors. For more informa-
tion, see Appendix A, Specifications.
Figure 1 Internal Control and Connectors

Rear Panel Connectors
Rear Panel Connectors

This is a brief description of the rear panel connectors. For more information, see Ap-
pendix A, Specifications.
Figure 2 Rear Panel Connectors

Creating an MCA Input Definition

After you have installed the card and the Genie 2000 software, the first step in using
your ASA-100 board is to create an MCA Input Definition (MID).
MID Wizard or MID Editor?

For most cases, you’ll use the MID Wizard to help you set up your Input Definition
quickly and easily.
If your Input Definition is more complex than the MID Wizard was designed to handle
(i.e., multiple ASA-100 boards or other MCAs with a single PC), you’ll use the MID
Editor (page 11) to create or change your definition.
The MID Setup Wizard

To use the MID Wizard, open the Genie 2000 folder and select the MID Wizard icon
to start the definition process.
Step 1
The Select MCA screen (Figure 3) lets you select the MCA you want to create a defi-
nition for. Select the ASA-100 entry from the list of available MCAs.
Figure 3 Selecting the MCA

Step 2
The Configure MCA screen (Figure 4) asks you to enter the board’s eight-digit serial
number. This is the number you recorded in the installation procedure on page 2. The
serial number is engraved on the back of the board at the end opposite the rear panel
bracket (see Figure 1 on page 4.)
Figure 4 Entering the Serial Number
Step 3
The Configure Detector screen (Figure 5) asks for a Detector Type and the acquisition
memory size in channels, and requires that an Input Name be entered. Select the de-
sired memory size, based on your application’s needs.

Figure 5 Assigning the Detector Type
Steps 4 and 5
You won’t see the screens for Steps 3 and 4; these steps are not used when setting up
the ASA-100.

Step 6
The Configure High Voltage Power Supply screen (Figure 6) asks you to define the
high voltage power supply’s Voltage Limit and Voltage. The Voltage Limit should be
set to match the configuration of the connected NaI detector.
Figure 6 Selecting the High Voltage Supply

Step 7
The Step 7 screen in Figure 7 displays a summary of the current MCA’s configuration
for review and lets you enter the name of the MID file that the configuration is to be
saved to.
The Input Name defaults to UNTITLED, which you’ll probably want to change to
something more meaningful. If the name you enter is the same as that of an existing
MID file, the system will ask if you want to overwrite the existing file.
Figure 7 Summary of the Configuration
Ending the Definition

To complete your Input Definition, select Finish. The input that you just defined will
be stored as an MID file named inputname.MID and automatically loaded into the
Genie-2000’s MCA Runtime Configuration Database (described in “Using MCA Defi-
nition Tables” in the MCA Input Definition chapter of the Genie-2000 Operations
Manual).
When you select Finish, you will be asked if you would like to define another input.
Answer Yes to define another MID file. Answer No to close the Wizard.

The MCA Input Definition Editor

The MCA Input Definition (MID) Editor allows you to create, edit and manage input
definitions. You’ll have to use the MID Editor only if you want to change any of the
parameters from their default values. Multiple Memory Groups are selectable only
from within the MID Editor.
Starting the MID Editor

You will use the MID Editor to work with at least one definition file for your set.
Start the MID Editor by double clicking on its icon ( ) in the Genie 2000 Pro-
gram Group (or by selecting the desktop icon, if provided) or from the Start menu se-
lect Programs | GENIE-2000 | MCA Input Definition Editor.
The result will be the application window shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8 The MID Editor Window
To use the MID Editor, you build the MCA Definition list and you may then add to or
delete the desired MID files from the list.
Note: The phrase “local:Untitled” in the title bar, means that the MID Editor is con-
nected to the local VDM and that no file is currently open; this is the default
condition in a non-networked environment.
Adding an MCA
The Edit menu, at the top of the MCA Input Definition Editor's main window, is used
to add MCA hardware to or delete MCA hardware from an MCA Input Definition.

To add an MCA:
1. From the Edit menu, select Add MCA.
2. The “Add MCAs to Definition Table” dialog box opens. This dialog contains
all available MCAs.
3. Select they type of MCA from the list of available MCAs by clicking on the
‘+’ symbol. Figure 12 shows the “ASA-100” being added.
Figure 9 Adding a ASA-100 MCA
4. Click on Add to add a ASA-100 MCA to the MCA Input Definition Editor
list.
You can add as many MCAs to the definition as are necessary for your
system, highlight each MCA and then click the Add button to add them to
the MCA Input Definition Editor list.
5. When you’ve finished adding MCAs, click on the Done button.

Deleting an MCA
If you want to remove an MCA that you have added to the definition, you can do it
easily by:
1. Selecting the table entry you want to delete.
2. Clicking on the Delete MCA command in the Edit menu to see the “Delete
MCA” Dialog Box in Figure 10. Click on OK to remove the entry.
Figure 10 The Delete MCA Dialog
Interpreting the Definition Entry

As you can see in Figure 10, adding the entry put more than just the name of the MCA
in the definition table. We’ll take a brief look at the other items in the entry now. As
we get further into the definition process we’ll cover them in greater detail. Note the
letter following the unit number in each Definition Table item available: an M indi-
cates a manually controlled unit and a P indicates a programmable unit.
MCA
This is the type of MCA device being used for this particular entry in the table.
Input
This is the name that will be used to refer to this specific hardware entry in the table.
The MID Editor automatically assigns these names sequentially as DETnn, starting
with nn=01. As we’ll see in “Input Name” on page 18, you can easily change these
names to something you find more meaningful.
Size
This shows the number of data channels assigned to this input.

ADC
This column describes the Analog-to-Digital converter associated with the ASA-100.
Stab
This column describes the Stabilizer associated with the ASA-100.
Amp.
This column describes the programmable Amplifieras sociated with the ASA-100
HV
This column describes the High Voltage Power Supply associated with the ASA-100..
Other Entries
All of the other entries - MXR and Gain are not used by the ASA-100.
Editing The MID Settings

This section discusses the specific settings for the ASA-100 in the MCA Definition.
To change any of them, refer to the procedures described in “Editing an MCA Defini-
tion” in the MCA Input Definition chapter of the Genie 2000 Operations Manual.
That chapter also has detailed information on using the MID Editor.
MCA Settings
This device has no adjustable controls.
ADC Settings
The ADC Settings dialog (Figure 11) lets you program the ADC's Lower Level
Discriminator (LLD) and Upper Level Discriminator (ULD) settings. The energy
range considered by the ADC is limited to the windowbetween the LLD setting and
the ULD setting.
Figure 11 The ADC Settings Dialog

LLD and ULD

The ADC’s Lower Level Discriminator (LLD) can be set from 0.0% to 100.0% of the
ADC’s full-scale input. The ADC’s Upper Level Discriminator (ULD) can be set from
0.0% to 100.0% of the ADC’s full-scale input. Both controls are available here and in
the Gamma Acquisition Analysis application.
Stabilizer Settings
The Stabilizer maintains the stability of high resolution spectroscopy in applications
involving long count times or high count rates. It accomplishes this by using a refer-
ence peak in the spectrum and correcting the system gain to keep the peak from drift-
ing. The count rates in the reference peak should be high enough to be significantly
more than the background in the chosen stabilizer window.
Selecting the Stabilizer command opens the Dialog Box shown in Figure 12.
Figure 12 Stabilizer Settings Dialog
Note: This window’s initial focus is on the Cancel button; pressing the keyboard’s
ENTER key after making changes in this dialog box will cancel the changes. Be
sure to click on the OK key to accept the changes.
Gain Mode
Enables (On) or disables (Off) the Gain Stabilization function.
Gain Centroid
Sets the centroid (in channels) of the reference peak at the high end of the spectrum for
gain stabilization.
Gain Spacing
Sets the spacing (in channels) between the upper and lower sampling channels. The
sampling channels should be placed so that a shift in the reference peak reflects a sig-
nificant change in count rate in the sampling channels. For broad peaks, the spacing
should be set so that the sampling channels are not on the flat part of the peak.

Amplifier
Selecting Amplifier will open the Dialog Box shown in Figure 13. These settings can
also be adjusted in the Gamma Acquisition and Analysis application.
Figure 13 The Amplifier Settings Dialog
Amplifier Gain
Two controls are used to set the amplifier’s gain: Coarse Gain and Fine Gain. The total
gain is the product of the two settings. Both controls are available at run time.
Coarse Gain
The Coarse gain can be set to x4, x8, x16, x32, x64, x128, or x256.
Fine Gain
The Fine Gain is adjustable from 1.0 through 2.5.
Input mode
The signal from the input connector may be routed through the amplifier (most com-
mon) or directly to the ASA-100's ADC section for use with an external shaping
amplifier.

High Voltage
The High Voltage command, shown in Figure 14, adjusts the High Voltage Power
Supply (HVPS).
Figure 14 The High Voltage Settings
Voltage Limit
The Voltage limit control establishes the HVPS’s maximum output voltage within the
selected range. It must be set before the Voltage control is adjusted. This control can
be set only in this Dialog Box; it cannot be changed in the Acquisition and Analysis
application.
Voltage
After setting the Voltage Limit, the Voltage scroll bar sets the output voltage of the
HVPS between the Voltage Limit’s minimum and maximum settings. The voltage can
also be typed in from the keyboard, then accepted with the Ok button within the con-
trol. The MCA Adjust HVPS dialog in the Acquisition and Analysis application al-
lows you to adjust the output voltage, as well as turn the HVPS on and off and reset it.

Input Settings
The Input command is used to change the name of the Input and set up the structure
of its memory via the Dialog Box shown in Figure 15. These commands are not avail-
able in the Acquisition and Analysis application.
Figure 15 The Define Input Dialog
Input Name
The default DETnn name is the name displayed here, allowing you to easily change it
to a more meaningful name, such as “H2OSampl”, up to a total of eight characters.
Detector Type
Use this drop-down list to select the type of detector to be used with this MCA; this
also assigns appropriate default values to the spectrum display and analysis parame-
ters. Five choices are available: Gamma or X Ray - Ge, Gamma or X Ray - NaI,
Gamma or X Ray - Si, Alpha or Beta Particle - Si, or Other. For additional information
please refer to Genie 2000 documentation.
Input Size
This parameter defaults to 8K, the number of channels assigned during Device setup
for the MCA, on the assumption that you’ll be using “Full Memory” for your data ac-
quisition. To use less than the maximum available memory size, use this control to se-
lect the size you want to use. For instance, for NaI spectra, you wouldn’t want to use
more than 1024 channels.

Saving and Loading the Input Definition
Out of Service
This check box allows you to place this Input temporarily “out of service”. That is, it
will remain as an entry in your MCA Definition File but will not be available for data
acquisition. It is meant to be used when the MCA or its front end electronics are tem-
porarily disconnected.
Memory Groups
This check box allows you to define a multi-memory group input; this box is enabled
if the input size is defined less than the physical MCA memory size.
Saving and Loading the Input Definition

Having completed a definition, the next step is to save it in a disk file so it can be used
in the future. From the File menu the command Save As saves the definition to a user
defined MID file and the command Save saves the settings to an existing MID file
After having saved the definition, the next step is to load it into the run-time database
so that it can be used by the Genie2000 applications. Use the Load To command in
the Database menu to load the definition.
Refer to the MCA Input Definition chapter of the Genie 2000 Operations Manual for
additional information regarding saving and loading definition files, as well as editing
existing files.
More Information on the MID Editor

You can find information on Changing the Editor’s Summary View, Editing an MCA
Definition and Using MCA Definition Tables in the MCA Input Definition chapter of
the Genie-2000 Operations Manual.
Genie 2000 Acquistion Window Adjust Dialogs

The MCA Adjust Screens, which are accessed from the Gamma Acquisition and Anal-
ysis application’s Menu Bar, allow you to adjust the ASA-100’s programmable con-
trols.

The datasource for the specific instrument must be opened. You may access the MCA
Adjust screens after having defined an MCA Input Definition (MID) as instructed
above: Start the “Gamma Acquisition and Analysis” program contained in the Genie
2000 folder, open the ASA-100 datasource you just have defined by selecting
File | Open Datasource, then selecting “Detector” in the Type box. Next, double click
on the datasource file you want to adjust.
With the datasource open, select the MCA | Adjust menu option. As adjustments are
made, the new values are sent to the MCA. To save the adjustments to the datasource’s
CAM file, use the Gamma Acquisition and Analysis application’s File | Save com-
mand so that the next time this datasource is selected, the proper setting will be loaded
into the MCA.
Note: If you get a “Required Hardware Unavailable” error, possible causes are: se-
lecting the wrong datasource for the instrument or a serial number mismatch
between the ASA-100 and the MID setting.
If you get a “Hardware Verification Error”, there is a mismatch between the
MID Definition setup and the hardware configuration. You can choose to ac-
cept or not accept the verification error in the associated dialog box. If you se-
lect No, a RED error box will appear in the top left corner of the Gamma
Acquisition and Analysis window. To determine the source of the verification
error, open the Status Page by clicking MCA | Status in the Acquisition and
Analysis window. The problem item will be marked with an asterisk (*).
Stabilizer Parameters
The controls in the Stabilizer settings screen (Figure 16) for the ASA-100 are de-
scribed in the following paragraphs.
Figure 16 Stabilizer Setting Adjust Dialog

Figure 17 shows the relationship between the Stabilizer’s Centroid and Spacing on a
typical peak for Gain Stabilization. For a detailed explanation of how a Stabilizer is
used, refer to the “Stabilizer” section of Chapter 4, Gamma Acquisition and Analysis,
in the Genie 2000 Operations Manual.
Figure 17 Relationship Between Stabilizer Functions
Gain Centroid
Sets the centroid (in channels) of the reference peak at the high end of the spectrum for
gain stabilization.
Gain Spacing
Sets the spacing (in channels) between the upper and lower sampling channels. The
sampling channels should be placed so that a shift in the reference peak reflects a sig-
nificant change in count rate in the sampling channels. For broad peaks, the spacing
should be set so that the sampling channels are not on the flat part of the peak.
Gain Mode
Enables (On) or disables (Off) the Gain Stabilization function.

ADC Parameters
Click on the ADC button to see the dialog box in Figure 18, which shows the Adjust
screen for the analog-to-digital converter.
Figure 18 ADC Adjust Dialog
Conversion Gain
There is no setting for Conversion Gain in the ADC adjustment screen. The number of
channels in the spectrum is selected by adjusting the Input Size scroll bar in the Ac-
quire Setup screen (page 24).
Note: When using Multiple Memory Groups the input memory size must be adjusted
using the MID editor, not the Input Size setting.
Lower Level Discriminator

The LLD scroll bar sets the minimum pulse height that will be converted by the ADC.
Noise and background events that dominate the lower channels can be suppressed by
moving the scroll bar to the right.
Upper Level Discriminator

The ULD scroll bar sets the maximum pulse height that will be converted by the ADC.
For most work, this control will be set to 100 percent. Lower settings will inhibit data
acquisition in the upper channels.
ADC Zero
In most cases, channel one of the spectrum is made to correspond to a zero energy in-
put (zero intercept). This means that the location of a given event in the spectrum is
linearly and directly proportional to the height of the input pulse. In some cases, how-
ever, the Zero control can be used to offset the spectrum by up to –1.5% to +4.5% of
the ADC’s current conversion gain.
The ADC Zero control will not normally have to be adjusted, but should it become
necessary, remove the computer’s top cover and look for the control on the top edge of
the board, as shown in Figure 1 (on page 4).

Amplifier Parameters
Click on the Amp button to see the dialog box in Figure 20, which shows the adjust
screen for the programmable amplifier.
Figure 20 Amplifier Adjust Dialog
Coarse Gain
The Amplifier’s Coarse gain setting is selected from the drop down menu. For most
configurations, it’s best to choose the highest Coarse Gain which, combined with the
Fine Gain, will produce the total desired gain.
Fine Gain
The Fine Gain control is set with the scroll bar.
Input Mode
The signal from the input connector may be routed through the amplifier (most com-
mon) or directly to the ASA-100’s ADC section for use with an external shaping am-
plifier.
High Voltage Parameters

Click on the HVPS button to see the HVPS adjust screen (Figure 19).
Figure 19 High Voltage Adjust Dialog

Voltage
The Voltage scroll bar sets the output of the HVPS between the minimum and maxi-
mum settings of the Voltage Limit control set in the MID Editor. The voltage can also
be typed in from the keyboard, then accepted with the OK button.
Status
Enables (On) or disables (Off) the High Voltage Power Supply.
Acquire Setup Screen

The Gamma Acquisition and Analysis application’s Acquire Setup Screen, which al-
lows you to define default acquisition parameters to be used when starting data collec-
tion on hardware datasources, is described in detail in the “MCA Menu” section of the
“Gamma Acquisition and Analysis” chapter of the Genie 2000 Operations Manual.

Input
A. Specifications
Input
SIG IN – Accepts output of a detector preamplifier or an external shaping amplifier,
software selectable; ±12 V max.; In ≈ 100 kΩ; rear panel BNC connector.
Outputs
H.V. OUT – Supplies high voltage to a NaI detector; 0–1000 V; 0–1 mA; rear panel
SHV connector.
PRE PWR – Provides power to a detector preamplifier; rear panel DB-9 connector.
Data Acquisition
CHANNELS – 2048; configurable as two 1024 channel groups, four 512 channel
groups or eight 256 channel groups.
ADC
TYPE – 80 MHz Wilkinson; 1024 channels.
INTEGRAL NONLINEARITY – <±0.1% over top 98% of channels.
DIFFERENTIAL NONLINEARITY – <±2% over top 98% of channels.
GAIN DRIFT – <±200 ppm/°C.
ZERO DRIFT – <±50 ppm/°C, full scale.
LIVE TIME CLOCK RESOLUTION – 10 ms.
INPUT – Positive-going unipolar Gaussian or bipolar, positive lobe leading pulse; 8

V, full scale.

Appendix A - Specifications
Presets
REAL TIME – <9 999 999 seconds.
LIVE TIME – <9 999 999 seconds.
PEAK COUNTS – <9 999 999 counts.
ROI INTEGRAL – <9 999 999 counts.
Preamplifier Power
+12 V (±5%) – 50 mA
–12 V (±5%) – 50 mA
Amplifier
SHAPING – Bipolar; 1.0 μs time constant.
POLE/ZERO – Optimized for 50 μs decay time constant.
COARSE GAIN – x4, x8, …, x256; computer selectable.
FINE GAIN – x1.00, x1.10, …, x2.50; computer selectable.
GAIN STABILIZER – Range: ±12.5%; resolution: ¼ channel.
INPUT – Positive-going tail pulse; 5 V full scale at minimum gain.
High Voltage
RANGE – From 0 to +1000 V.
CURRENT – From 0 to 1 mA.
NOISE – Less than 50 mV peak-to-peak.
TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT – <±100 ppm/°C.

SCA
SCA
LLD – Software controlled; range: 0–100%, full scale.
ULD – Software controlled; range: 0–100%, full scale.
ZERO – Board mounted screwdriver-adjustable potentiometer; range: –1.5% to

+4.5%, full scale.
Power
+5 V, 1500 mA at full preamp and HV load.
Physical
BOARD TYPE – Full length PCI-compatible plug-in card.
SIZE – 31.2 x 10.7 cm (12.28 x 4.2 in.).
Environmental
OPERATING TEMPERATURE – 0 to 50 °C.
OPERATING HUMIDITY – 0–80% relative, non-condensing.
Ordering Information
Model ASA-100 NaI Multichannel Analyzer Board.
Requires Genie-2000 Basic Spectroscopy Software (S502C or S500C).

Appendix B - Installation Considerations
B. Installation Considerations
This unit complies with all applicable European Union requirements.
Compliance testing was performed with application configurations commonly used for
this module; i.e. a CE compliant NIM Bin and Power Supply with additional CE com-
pliant application-specific NIM were used with a CE-compliant computer.
During the design and assembly of the module, reasonable precautions were taken by
the manufacturer to minimize the effects of RFI and EMC on the system. However,
care should be taken to maintain full compliance. These considerations include:
• A CE-compliant computer, fully closed on all sides with rear panel access
• Single point external cable access
• Blank panels to cover open rear panel board slots
• The use of CE compliant accessories such as fans, UPS, etc.
• Compliant grounding and safety precautions for any accessories
Any repairs or maintenance should be performed by a qualified Canberra service

representative. Failure to use exact replacement components, or failure to reassemble
the unit as delivered, may affect the unit’s compliance with the specified EU
requirements.
28
Warranty
Canberra (we, us, our) warrants to the customer (you, your) that for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of
shipment, software provided by us in connection with equipment manufactured by us shall operate in accordance
with applicable specifications when used with equipment manufactured by us and that the media on which the
software is provided shall be free from defects. We also warrant that (A) equipment manufactured by us shall be
free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment of such
equipment, and (B) services performed by us in connection with such equipment, such as site supervision and
installation services relating to the equipment, shall be free from defects for a period of one (1) year from the date of
performance of such services.
If defects in materials or workmanship are discovered within the applicable warranty period as set forth above, we
shall, at our option and cost, (A) in the case of defective software or equipment, either repair or replace the
software or equipment, or (B) in the case of defective services, reperform such services.
LIMITATIONS
EXCEPT AS SET FORTH HEREIN, NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR REMEDIES, WHETHER STATUTORY,
WRITTEN, ORAL, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE) OR OTHERWISE, SHALL APPLY. IN NO
EVENT SHALL CANBERRA HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT
OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSSES OR DAMAGES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER, WHETHER AS A RESULT
OF BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT LIABILITY (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY OR
OTHERWISE. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE SOFTWARE OR EQUIPMENT DURING THE
APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD AT CANBERRA'S COST, OR, IN THE CASE OF DEFECTIVE SERVICES,
REPERFORMANCE AT CANBERRA'S COST, IS YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS
WARRANTY.
EXCLUSIONS
Our warranty does not cover damage to equipment which has been altered or modified without our written
permission or damage which has been caused by abuse, misuse, accident, neglect or unusual physical or
electrical stress, as determined by our Service Personnel.
We are under no obligation to provide warranty service if adjustment or repair is required because of damage
caused by other than ordinary use or if the equipment is serviced or repaired, or if an attempt is made to service or
repair the equipment, by other than our Service Personnel without our prior approval.
Our warranty does not cover detector damage due to neutrons or heavy charged particles. Failure of beryllium,
carbon composite, or polymer windows, or of windowless detectors caused by physical or chemical damage from
the environment is not covered by warranty.
We are not responsible for damage sustained in transit. You should examine shipments upon receipt for evidence
of damage caused in transit. If damage is found, notify us and the carrier immediately. Keep all packages,
materials and documents, including the freight bill, invoice and packing list.
Software License
When purchasing our software, you have purchased a license to use the software, not the software itself. Because
title to the software remains with us, you may not sell, distribute or otherwise transfer the software. This license
allows you to use the software on only one computer at a time. You must get our written permission for any
exception to this limited license.
BACKUP COPIES
Our software is protected by United States Copyright Law and by International Copyright Treaties. You have our
express permission to make one archival copy of the software for backup protection. You may not copy our
software or any part of it for any other purpose.
Revised 1 Apr 03

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Model ASA-100

NaI MCA Board

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Canberra expressly grants the purchaser of this product the right

No material in this document may be copied by any third party, or

Canberra Industries, 800 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT 06450

The information in this document describes the product as

Printed in the United States of America.

For technical assistance, call our Customer Service Hotline at

2. Setup and Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

ii Model ASA-100 NaI MCA Board

User's Manual - ICN 9231906D 1

2. Setup and Configuration

Installing the Card

7. Replace the computer cover by reversing the procedure in step 3.

8. Reapply power to the computer.

2 Model ASA-100 NaI MCA Board

Device Driver Installation

2. Select “Install this software automatically (Recommended)” when the wizard

Installing the Software

User's Manual - ICN 9231906D 3

Internal Control and Connectors

Figure 1 Internal Control and Connectors

4 Model ASA-100 NaI MCA Board

Rear Panel Connectors

Figure 2 Rear Panel Connectors

User's Manual - ICN 9231906D 5

Creating an MCA Input Definition

MID Wizard or MID Editor?

The MID Setup Wizard

Figure 3 Selecting the MCA

6 Model ASA-100 NaI MCA Board

Figure 4 Entering the Serial Number

User's Manual - ICN 9231906D 7

Figure 5 Assigning the Detector Type

8 Model ASA-100 NaI MCA Board

Figure 6 Selecting the High Voltage Supply

User's Manual - ICN 9231906D 9

Figure 7 Summary of the Configuration

Ending the Definition

10 Model ASA-100 NaI MCA Board

The MCA Input Definition Editor

Starting the MID Editor

The result will be the application window shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8 The MID Editor Window

User's Manual - ICN 9231906D 11

1. From the Edit menu, select Add MCA.

Figure 9 Adding a ASA-100 MCA

5. When you’ve finished adding MCAs, click on the Done button.

12 Model ASA-100 NaI MCA Board

1. Selecting the table entry you want to delete.

Figure 10 The Delete MCA Dialog

Interpreting the Definition Entry

User's Manual - ICN 9231906D 13

Editing The MID Settings

Figure 11 The ADC Settings Dialog

14 Model ASA-100 NaI MCA Board

LLD and ULD

Figure 12 Stabilizer Settings Dialog

User's Manual - ICN 9231906D 15

Figure 13 The Amplifier Settings Dialog

16 Model ASA-100 NaI MCA Board

Figure 14 The High Voltage Settings

User's Manual - ICN 9231906D 17

ASA-100 NaI MCA User's Manual

ASA-100 NaI MCA User's Manual